TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered a speech at the US State Department-funded think tank East-West Center in Hawaii on Sunday (Dec. 1).
Lai's eight-minute speech focused on the theme “Taiwan as a Partner for Peace and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region," per CNA. Delivering his remarks in English, Lai noted that Taiwan's biggest challenge is China's threats.
Think tank president Suzanne Vares-Lum thanked Lai for his visit, noting Lai has wanted to visit the think tank for a long time. His recent visit draws more attention to the issue of regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The East-West Center Imin International Conference Center (also known as Jefferson Hall) was designed by architect I.M. Pei in 1963. Vares-Lum said the center has hosted important events, including two visits by former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in 2017 and 2019, with the latter celebrating the Taiwan Relations Act's 40th anniversary.
Vares-Lum said the think tank has brought together international talent, including scholars, students, and professionals from Taiwan. Over the past 60 years, more than 2,600 participants from Taiwan have joined activities.
The think tank cooperates with Taiwan on security, the environment, and trade. The importance of this partnership was reflected in today's guests, such as James Moriarty, former AIT chair, and Richard Vuylsteke, former president of the East-West Center.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui (郭雅慧) said Lai’s speech discussed strengthening Taiwan's self-defense, strengthening economic security, deepening democratic ties, and promoting dialogue and foreign exchange, per CNA. Lai said he established a committee to address defense resilience within the Presidential Office.
Lai also emphasized Taiwan’s role in the global supply chain, especially in high-tech industries such as semiconductors. He is committed to strengthening the Taiwan-US partnership in this area, as Taiwan hopes to use its professional knowledge to contribute to global development.
Kuo said that Lai also addressed Taiwan’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. Through cooperation in public health, fisheries, animal husbandry, climate change, and other fields, Taiwan has fulfilled its commitments and promoted friendly relations with its Pacific allies.
Following Lai’s speech, there was a question-and-answer session where Lai was asked about his vision for Taiwan in the next four to eight years. Lai said that as president he is responsible for caring for 23 million people, including vulnerable groups, and ensuring that everyone can survive in a free and democratic country.